Tossing Game

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention provide an object tossing game, which can be used for example outdoors during tailgate parties and backyard barbeques. Specific game embodiments comprise a convenient and portable carrying case for storage of the game pieces, which doubles as the playing surface. In particular embodiments, the game includes saddle-shaped bird seed filled bags which can be tossed using a player&#39;s foot and directed toward a game board that comprises three scoring areas.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to games. More particularly, the presentinvention relates to object tossing games that can be used outdoors.

2. Description of the Related Art

Numerous outdoor games exist in which the object of the game is to tossan object, such as a ball, a bag filled with beans, sand or corn, orrings, to a particular target, such as a hole, a goal post, or a cone.These games, however, typically do not involve kicking the object towarda target using the player's foot. Additionally, existing object tossinggames do not provide a convenient carrying case for the components ofthe game, which doubles as the playing surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide an object tossing game,which can be used for example outdoors during tailgate parties andbackyard barbeques. Specific game embodiments comprise a convenient andportable carrying case for storage of the game pieces, which doubles asthe playing surface. In particular embodiments, the game includessaddle-shaped sand bags which can be tossed using a player's foot anddirected toward a game board that includes three scoring sections, twoof which are recesses in the game board and the other which is aplatform.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B show an embodiment of the target game according to theinvention, which includes a carrying case capable of converting to aplaying surface.

FIG. 2 shows a game embodiment in a portable, closed position.

FIGS. 3A-H are various views of an embodiment of the game shown indifferent positions for demonstrating an exemplary set up of the game.

FIGS. 4A-D are various views of an embodiment of the game with variouscomponents that can be used in the game.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the game with sand bags positioned on theplaying surface to demonstrate an exemplary method of playing the game.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Configuration and Set up of the Game.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, in embodiments of the invention, the gameboard 1000 can be constructed in such a way that it has three (3)scoring sections, including two recessed sections 1002, and a thirdplatform 1004. The first section 1002 is recessed by two (2) inches withvinyl attached to the bottom. The vinyl (from this point on) will bereferred to as the scoring section. The second scoring section 1004 hasvinyl attached to the top portion of the game board, thus creating aflush scoring section. Any material can be used that is capable ofcreating the platform-level scoring section and is not limited to vinyl.The third scoring section 1002 is also recessed two (2) inches withvinyl attached to the bottom of the game board. The third scoring 1002section is the largest in this embodiment and equals the size of bothsections of number one and number two scoring areas. The second andthird sections are joined together in a hinge-type manner, preferablyusing hinges 1003. In this manner, the sections can be pulled apart forplay or folded together for storage. It is noted that the dimensionsprovided in this disclosure are not intended to be limiting, they merelyprovide one exemplary configuration for the playing surface of the gameaccording to the invention.

There is an attachment 1005 to the game board near the center thatpivots above the scoring area. This attachment forms an arch 1005 overthe playing surface when installed for play. The arch 1005 can be markedwith ‘sacked minus 3 points’ (−3), the significance of which will beexplained in more detail below in the scoring section of thisdisclosure. A board located in the first scoring section, which is twoinches wide, can be raised for transport and then folded down forstorage when the game board is in a closed position using hinges 1003. Apivot board 1010 in the third scoring section can be raised for play tohelp with over kick and pivoted down toward playing surface 1002 in thethird scoring section for storage and transport of the game.

The game board 1001 is made in two sections that are hinged togetherwith hinges 1003 so that is can be folded for easy transport. Thesections of the game board can be fastened together by way of securingstraps 1008, which can be connected and disconnected from posts or otherprotruding structure in the frame of the board. Optionally, oradditionally, hook and loop type closures can be used to secure the gameboard 1000 in a closed position for transporting and storing componentsof the game, including the projectiles, kick markers, and rope. Aparticular component of the game, support 1006 can be stowed fortransport then secured to the game board using securing means 1007, suchas a pin and strap. The game board can be conveniently carried usinghandles 1009. The measurements of the game board 1000, when in the openor playing position (shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B), are twenty seven (27)inches by forty eight (48) inches. Measurements in the closed positionare twenty seven (27) inches by twenty seven (27) inches by four (4)inches.

Shown in FIG. 2, the game 2000 can be transported using a handle 2009,which in this embodiment is secured to arch 2005. The arch 2005 andframe of the game board provide structural support for the carrying caseand are preferably comprised of a material that will resist crushing,such as wood or plastic. Components of the game are conveniently storedinside the case and/or secured within the securing straps 2008, such asthe support 2006, which can be removed and used to support the arch 2005by way of pins/straps 2007, as discussed in more detail below. Vinylpanels 2004 can be disposed on the game board to provide walls for thecarrying case when closed that double as the playing surface of the gamewhen the game is open, which are lightweight and attractive.

FIGS. 3A-H show an exemplary set up of the game 3000. The game board3000 is placed on level playing surface, such as the ground, with latch3008 facing players and the outside surface of the game 3004 touchingthe ground. Open latch straps 3008 and tuck under the game board. Nextremove the loose board 3006 from game board (it will be marked‘Blocker’). This component is preferably shaped with a single surface toface the players (see 1006 in FIG. 1A) and with a stepped surface facingaway from the players (see 1006 FIG. 1B). With this shape, board 3006can act as a support for arch 3005 and fit conveniently into the case3000 for storage in the void 3012. There are two pins 3007 on oppositesides of arch 3005 holding the arch 3005 together with one section ofthe game board, which pins are located near the center of board 3000.Simply pull these pins 3007 out using strap 3009 attached. Strapmaterial can also be used to form handles 3009 for transporting the gamecase. Next unfold the board 3000, moving the top section (the topsection of the board is the portion of the board comprising ScoringSection Three) forward away from you until it lays flat on the playingsurface, such as the ground if outdoors, or the floor if indoors. Thebottom section, Scoring Section One 3002 will be closest to the players.During storage, projectiles 3020 and other components such as themeasuring rope 2011 and markers 3030 can be placed within the recessedregion forming the Scoring Section One 3002.

The board marked “Blocker” 3006 can then be placed near the center ofthe board with the word Blocker facing the players. Next, raise the armthat forms the arch 3005 above the playing surface. The arch 3005 ispreferably attached to board 3000 by way of a mechanism 3013, such as apin and hole type mechanism, which allows for pivoting of the arch intoplace. The arch can then be locked into position using the two pins3007, (one on each side) by inserting the pins thru the pivot arms intothe ends of board marked Blocker. Now take the latch strap 3014 locatedon Blocker Board and attach to the hook located in the third scoringsection. In embodiments it is preferred that the arch be disposed in aposition that leans toward the back of the board and blocker boardbetween the raised arch to provide a game with a high degree ofdifficulty in the players reaching the Third Scoring Section with thebag. The pivot board 3010 in the third scoring section can be raised forplay to help with over kick. The game board is now ready for play.

FIGS. 4A-D show representative game parts or components that can beincluded with the game 4000. Components include: two kick point markers4030 for marking distance; twenty feet of nylon cord with five footmarks visible 4011, which is protected by hinged member 4014; and eightprojectile kick bags 4020, (four each of two different colors). The kickbags 4020 are sewn in such a fashion, that they resemble saddle bags,with no openings. The bags are preferably filled with sand, but anysimilar acting material can be used such as salt, pebbles, corn, plasticbeads, etc. The tossing bag projectiles are typically about twelveinches long by four inches wide, with a width of about ¾ inch. They aresewn or otherwise enclose a weighted material, such as ¾ cup bird seed,in each end of bag.

The bags 4020 are preferably made of vinyl, but cloth or leather canalso be used. Three seams are sewn down the center section, each about ⅝inch apart, to separate weighted ends, and to create flat surface torest on the player's foot.

Instructions for Playing the Game.

As demonstrated in FIG. 5, an object of the game 5000 can be to kick thebags 5020 into one of the three scoring surfaces 5002, 5004 of the gameboard to score points. Each section of the board is marked with pointsto be scored in each area, depending on the resting location of the kickbag 5020. Section one 5002 is one (1) point; Section two 5004 is two (2)points; and Section three 5002 is three (3) points.

The player places the kick bag on top of the player's foot and uses akicking motion to toss the bag and deliver it toward the playingsurface. The suggested distance for beginners is twenty feet from thefront of the board. This measurement can be made using the 20-foot cordincluded and stowed under board 5014 when not in use. Once distance isestablished, push kick point marker 5030 into ground for kick position.

Each player will kick four (4) bags in succession, bags will be left inposition until next player kicks their bags. Scores can then bedetermined for each player. Two or more players can play either asindividuals or form teams. Players will predetermine score to be playedto before starting game.

If the bag lands on the first scoring section (see bag 5020 a), onepoint is received, in the second scoring section (see bag 5020 b), twopoints are received. If the kick bag lands between the first and secondscoring sections (see bag 5020 c), the side with the most bag touchingwill determine points received (here, section one).

There is a Blocker board 5006 between the second and third scoringsections. If any part of the bag extends over the Blocker board (see bag5020 d) no points will be scored with that kick. In order to score onthe third scoring section, the kick bag (see bags 5020 e) must passunder the arch 5005 and land on the scoring surface 5002. This sectionallows (3) points. If the kick bag lands on top of the raised arch, apenalty will be assessed and three (3) points deducted from thatplayer's score (see bag 5020 f).

Optional gaming instructions include that when the bag is kicked and itbounces off the ground before landing on the scoring section, the scorecan be counted or not, to be predetermined by the players.

Once a player or team reaches or surpasses the set score, they will bedeclared winners, unless there is a tie score. In that situation playwill continue until the tie is broken. The player or team with thehighest score, either in normal or tie breaker play will then bedeclared the winner.

As players become more familiar with the game, the kicking distance canbe increased to create more challenges.

The present invention has been described with reference to particularembodiments having various features. It will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be madein the practice of the present invention without departing from thescope or spirit of the invention. One skilled in the art will recognizethat these features may be used singularly or in any combination basedon the requirements and specifications of a given application or design.The description of the invention provided is merely exemplary in natureand, thus, variations that do not depart from the essence of theinvention are intended to be within the scope of the invention.

1. An object for tossing comprising a saddle shaped bag having twoopposing ends filled with bird seed and a center unfilled portionstitched in a manner to provide a flat capable of resting on top of aperson's foot to provide the opposing filled ends of the bag in abalanced position hanging over the foot.
 2. A portable projectiletossing game comprising: a box comprising two halves hingedly connectedalong one side capable of being adjusted to an open play mode displayinga first, second, and third target area; wherein a first half of the boxcomprises the first target area comprising a recessed planar surface andthe second target area comprising a planar platform; wherein a secondhalf of the box comprises the third target area comprising a recessedplanar surface; and wherein one side of the first and second targetareas is shared between them and an opposing side of the second targetarea abuts and is hingedly connected with one side of the third targetarea; and an arch pivotally connected with the first half of the boxwherein, when in a closed transportable mode, the arch is disposedaround three sides of the first half of the box in a releasably securedmanner and capable of being pivotally adjusted to be disposed above thethird target area for an open play mode.
 3. The game of claim 2 furthercomprising a plurality of saddle shaped bags each having two opposingends filled with a material to provide weight to the bag and a centerunfilled portion stitched in a manner to provide a flat capable ofresting on top of a person's foot to provide the opposing filled ends ofthe bag in a balanced position hanging over the foot.
 4. The game ofclaim 3 further comprising a plurality of kick point markers and adesired length of rope for establishing and marking a position forplayers of the game to kick an object toward the target areas of thegame.
 5. The game of claim 4, wherein when the game is in a closedtransportable mode the saddle shaped bags and kick point markers arecapable of being stored in the first target area recess and the rope iscapable of being stowed under a flap hingedly connected to the firsttarget area.